Racks for Kayaks

How are you guys carrying kayaks on the 4 Runners. We are looking in to getting a 10' and 12' sit on top kayaks but it seems that the factory rack has a rear placement bias. Even with the cross bars in the most front position the kayaks would still hang quite a bit in the rear.

 

I don't carry kayaks (yet) but I'd either balance them and put a flag on the rear overhang or push them forward and tie them down differently to hold them in place (which would be a PITA when loading and unloading)

 

The rear bias is a real pain with longer kayaks. I’m actually trying to build a rack that will let me tie the kayak down in a little bit more forward position. If you try to center a 12 foot kayak over the roof, the wind really tries to turn it around, even if it’s tied down at the front.

 

Haven't even though about how the front will be tied if they don't even stick far enough in the front. I looked up the Thule kayak holder and it show that front needs to be tied underneath the front bumper somewhere. This is going to get interesting.

 

I have this
https://www.thule.com/en-us/water-racks/kayak-and-canoe-racks/thule-hullavator-pro-_-1685448

although I did not pay so much for it when I bought it.
Best.Rack.Ever. For someone with back issues lifting heavy kayaks is a non-no. This makes it super easy for me. I use it to haul my Hobie.
The only downside - my garage isnt tall enough with hullavator on top so I have to remove it after each use, if I want my 4R in garage.

 

Thats nice. I tried other versions from Amazon and could not keep.them stabilizes. Plus getting them down sucked. I may habe to check out these thules later

 

One thing I would say is definitely check fb marketplace. I got my thule cross bars used, and that saved me some $$.

 

You should try finding canoe racks for the Pro.

 

What company are or where did you find those canoe racks? I’ve been struggling to figure how to fit 2 canoes up top. Kids are quickly approaching sizes where we’ll need more equipment to paddle on

 

I used the j hook attachments onto the stock roof rack. I had no issues carrying two 10ft kayaks.

 

Next up: figuring out if my 1997 Thule canoe rack will work on the 4R.

 

I have a 4Runner Pro with the Pro rack and these were the only cross bars that would work on the round tubes. 65” wide. The canoes are 12’ about 30” wide each. I driven over 400 miles one way with no problems of the canoes moving.

They are from Etrailer.
Malone MPG203
https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Malone/MPG203.html

 

Do you use any lines to hold the front of kayaks to the hood?

 

Is there a preference if one could fit 2 on top to be flat or standing on a side?

 

None, just use the two straps to tie them down to the racks. Driven highway speeds without any issue.

 

I know this picture is with lumber but it may work well for kayaks.
Malone 54" crossbars
Pickup hitch extender
Hitch anti- rattle clip
Endless ratchet straps

Right around $300 all in

 

Nice, many recommendations. Now to pick the right one....decisions, decisions....

 

Hands down the best kayak / SUP mount I've ever used is this;

https://yakima.com/products/showdown?_ga=2.11641905.444359845.1685562234-264900829.1685562234

The lift slides down to the side of the vehicle to allow you to attach it from there. Its a very nice to have, its just expensive....


Totally random, but the pics are of a 4runner too! Weird.

 

Some more ideas for you:

 

Finally got my set up. Thanks to all recommendations here. Many choices. So far so good. Picked up the kayak from the store to home no issues. Tripped planned next week will see how it goes on a highway.

I got the LFD stainless crossbars. One regular, one with build in wind fairing. When installing wish the fit could be a bit better where they attach to the oem side rails. The fronts on both bars were touching the oem side rails nice and flat but the backs were about 1/4" bent away from the side rails. Was able to get them closer by tightening the screw but still have about 1/16 -1/8 gap. Also the wind fairing a bit close to the roof in the middle. Hoping it will be OK as the cross bar feels pretty damn solid.

For kayak I got the Kuat class4 V2. The Thule or Yakima with the lift system would be nice but that was very steep $$$. Was able to install with the flush mount method, kind of had to due to one cross bar having the wind fairing. It seems to hold and work well. The t-nut fits nicely through the LFD slot in the bar and into the Kuat assembly.

Took a step stool with us to the store thinking will need when securing the kayak but manage on my own without any help from the wife or the need for step stool. Kind of just took the kayak over my head, dropped it on the holders using the step by the open rear door. Once it was flat on the holders kind of jigged it up so it pops in the cradles. Once you step on the rear tire plenty of height to work with the straps etc. Front straps were a bit tougher but doable from the front door step.

Side question: everywhere I read all recommend the front and back to be strapped to hood and rear hitch for extra protection in even when they kayak wold want to launch forward or backwards. Would it not suffice to attach the front/back to the oem side rails in a V pattern.
For example in the picture below where you can see screw attaching the crossbar to the side rail would be the starting point, than go through the loop/handle in front of kayak, and then to same screw area on the passenger side.

 

I attach it to the towing loop underneath the truck at the front and to the hitch at the back. Maybe it's an overkill, but I feel safer that way. Attaching to the roof rail might work too, but probably not as good, think how your kayak would want to move if you're going at 80 mph and one of the top straps broke.

 

I found a different type of hitch extender for 50% off because it got scratched in their shop. I figured for the price, if I only used it rarely its still worth it. Turns out I use it a lot now; they are very handy!

 

Those lines don't really hold them down, they just let you know if your straps broke or your kayaks moved. I never use them either. Its easy to keep an eye on your kayaks with a sunroof.

But after hauling kayaks for a couple years now I ditched the j hooks for a couple pairs of these.



Happy paddling

 

Yeah that's what happened with our 14'. I'll be paying attention to this thread. Have only Victory 4x4 cross bars on regular rails.

 

Overkill=Safety in the hauling of kayaks. I use a bridle system with the front tie downs and like you, I use the rear hitch. It looks kind of ungainly on the OEM basket but with the right ratchet straps works well.

 

I have been hauling kayaks on the roofs of my vehicles for many years. After struggling with carrying 3 on the roof of my truck, I took the plunge and bought a dedicated kayak trailer.

I know that this doesn’t work for everybody as you need a place to keep the trailer but it has made loading/unloading so much less of a hassle…. I’m using the kayak trailer with the 4Runner….

Cheers,
Bob